Information about Ortho tri cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a medicine contains a combination of estrogen and progestin that is used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be administered to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING
Smoking cigarettes is unfavorable factor while taking this medicine. It increases the risk of having heart problems. Avoid smoking while taking this drug. Women greater than 35 years of age and women who smoke 15 or more cigarettes daily are more likely to have heart problems.
You should not take Ortho Tri-Cyclen in case you are also using azole antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole or itraconazole, acitretin, aprepitant, bosetan, barbiturates, griseofulvin, carbamazepine, topiramate, tetracycline antibiotics, hydantoins such as phenytoin, St. John's wort, or rifampin without talking with your doctor. The risk of pregnancy may be increased when taking the drugs mentioned above in combination with birth-control pills.
You may need additional monitoring of your dose in case you are taking benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, felbamate, HIV protease inhibitors, nevirapine, modafinil, beta-blockers such as metoprolol or carvedilol, lamotrigine, pioglitazone, penicillin antibiotics, theophylline, troglitazone, troleandomycin, or medicine for seizures. Do not start or stop any medicine without medical consultation.
Notify your doctor of any other medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, headaches or migraines, high triglyceride level in the blood, high blood pressure, recent surgery, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding a baby.
It is not recommended to use Ortho Tri-Cyclen in case you have a history of problems with the blood vessels in the brain or heart, heart valve problems, heart attack, uncontrolled high blood pressure, abnormal or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, certain cancers including breast cancer, serious liver problems, blood clots, certain blood disorders such as porphyria, stroke, or smoking. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist in case you have any questions or concerns about using Ortho Tri-Cyclen.
Directions
Take this medication as recommended by physician. Ortho Tri-Cyclen should be taken regularly at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart.
Keep Ortho Tri-Cyclen at indoor temperature, away from heat and light.
In case you miss a dose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, take it as soon as you remember. The next one should be taken at the regular time. It means you may take 2 doses on the same day. In case you miss more than 1 dose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, refer to the patient information that came with this drug.
Cautions
Smoking while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen may elevate the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. In case you experience vomiting or diarrhea for any reason, your medicine may not work properly. You should know that taking certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen may decrease the effectiveness of birth prevention. For the purpose of pregnancy prevention, it is recommended to use an additional form of birth control until your next period.
Notify the doctor or dentist that you take this medicine before you undergo any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery.
In case you wear contact lenses and you have problems with them, consult with your doctor.
Dark skin patches on your face may appear while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Try to avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. It is recommended to use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing in case you are not able to prevent such exposure.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen does not work for the purpose of sexually transmitted diseases prevention.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: You should not use Ortho Tri-Cyclen in case you are pregnant. If you think you could become pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately. It is known that Ortho Tri-Cyclen passes into breast milk. In case you are or will be breast-feeding a baby consult with your doctor and discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
Side effects include nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. If they continue or are bothersome, consult with your doctor. These symptoms may disappear during treatment.
Consult with your doctor right away in case you have persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience calf/leg pain or swelling, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, lumps in the breast, sudden severe headache, sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, yellowing skin or eyes, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain.
Seek immediate medical attention in case you experience an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
Seek emergency immediately in case overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose are nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others persons. You should not use this medicine for the treatment of other health conditions.
Drug interactions
Be aware that Ortho Tri-Cyclen may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs.
What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. |